44

Ethan labored to push through the burden that was sitting on his chest as he made his way down the corridor toward his room. He tried his best to shake the image of Amelia that wouldn't leave his thoughts, but it was impossible for him to do so.

As soon as he reached his bedroom, the agony of his upcoming marriage and the thought of Amelia hit him like a ton of bricks, causing him to collapse to the ground and then sag into his bed.

The first time they had met, the first time her hand had touched his body, and the first time she had kissed him were all vividly remembered in his mind. He recalled the vivacity she emanated, the way her grin lit up the room, and the confidence-inspiring manner in which she walked. He also recalled how her laugh lit up the room.

Now, the memory of her sobs and his own suffering continued to torment him ceaselessly. He detested himself for what he was doing to her and the fact that he was still doing it after all this time. He despised himself.

While he wa